A close range goal by Tadhg Purcell gave Shamrock Rovers all three points as they just pipped his former club, Kilkenny City, in a 1-0 dogfight at Buckley Park.
The 40th minute score followed a right wing corner that was headed across goal by another former Kilkenny player, Aidan Price. But just four minutes later it became an uphill battle for City as Cathal Sweetman was red-carded for a wild tackle.
But despite the fact that that they had only ten players for the entire second half, Kilkenny battle bravely. Rovers failed to make numerical advantage tell and they almost paid a heavy price when Gary Deegan rocked their crossbar after 71 minutes and went close again with just five minutes left in the game.
But with just two minutes left Rovers almost doubled their lead when a screaming shot by Ray Kenny was brilliantly saved by home goalkeeper, Aaron Shanahan.
It was a rocky return to Buckley Park for former Kilkenny boss, Pat Scully who however deserved to win the spoils. City caretaker boss, Gary Coad could also be proud of his charges and he must certainly have rued the fact that central defender, Aaron Mooney, arguably their best player all season, was not available for the game.
